Breakin’ Down the NLCS
The NLCS starts tonight, and it doesn't lack intrigue. Manny and the Dodgers take on the Phillies. Should be fun. Let's break it down.
OFFENSE: You might think since LA has Manny, they are better. Wrong. Manny is one player, albeit a great one. But Philly has Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Pat Burrell. I like the Phillies Offense mostly because of the depth.
PITCHING: LA is the clear winner here. Derek Lowe, Chad Billinglsey, Hiroki Kuroda are better in my mind then Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, and Jamie Moyer
BULLPEN: Philly wins here. Brad Lidge, barring a 2005-esque meltdown, is steady, and the relief corp as a whole is better. Ryan Madson is dealing out the pen. Johnathan Broxton is pitching well, but Takashi Saito is out, leaving a clear hole in the set up role.
COACHING: What, you thought I'd pick Charlie Manuel? Nah, Joe Torre wins out.
PREDICTION: Dodgers in 7. This is all on Manny. If he's LA Manny, easy win. If he's Boston Manny of July, they're in trouble. I do think that since Manny would love to play Boston, he'll be playing his heart out.
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October 9th, 2008 - 17:47
Well, considering Hamels is the best pitcher in this whole series, Blanton isn’t the #3 starter, and Myers post ASB was one of the best pitchers in baseball, I’d check your rotation choice again.
October 9th, 2008 - 18:48
My bad, forgot about Moyer. But I still think that the Dodgers rotation is better.